Mabul resorts vs. Semporna hotels

[mstanley]

I am planning a trip to Borneo in November/December. I plan to dive as much as possible at least 3 dives per day (hopefully more). Generally, I try to avoid resorts unless they are the most convenient option. As a single traveller, I don't really need the services of a resort since I plan to be on the boat all day. And I cannot stand the single supplement that resorts always charge.

It seems to me that it is much more affordable to stay in Semporna than to stay at one of the resorts in Mabul. I need to have a comfortable place to spend the night after a full day of diving and there seems to be some decent lodging options options in Semporna.

The debate????? -
Should I stay at a hotel in Semporna (perhaps the Seafest hotel) and dive with a local operator (perhaps Scuba Junkie) or am I better off in a resort on Mabul. I am trying to base my decision on the following factors in order of importance:

1) Safety - safety of the dive operation and general security for tourists staying on Mabul vs. staying in Semporna

2) Convenience - is much more convenient to stay at a resort due to the proximity to dive sites and a schedule that is catered for divers?

3) Comfort - is it much more comfortable at a resort in terms of lodging facilities?

Any comments?

 

[mstanley]

By the way, if I plan to stay in Semporna and get a Sipdadan permit through a local operator, will I then be able to change my plans and go to a resort at the last minute and take my permit with me?

 

[Rickg]

I am planning a trip to Borneo in November/December. I plan to dive as much as possible at least 3 dives per day (hopefully more). Generally, I try to avoid resorts unless they are the most convenient option. As a single traveller, I don't really need the services of a resort since I plan to be on the boat all day. And I cannot stand the single supplement that resorts always charge.

It seems to me that it is much more affordable to stay in Semporna than to stay at one of the resorts in Mabul. I need to have a comfortable place to spend the night after a full day of diving and there seems to be some decent lodging options options in Semporna.

The debate????? -
Should I stay at a hotel in Semporna (perhaps the Seafest hotel) and dive with a local operator (perhaps Scuba Junkie) or am I better off in a resort on Mabul. I am trying to base my decision on the following factors in order of importance:

1) Safety - safety of the dive operation and general security for tourists staying on Mabul vs. staying in Semporna

2) Convenience - is much more convenient to stay at a resort due to the proximity to dive sites and a schedule that is catered for divers?

3) Comfort - is it much more comfortable at a resort in terms of lodging facilities?

Any comments?

mstanley,

I guess it boils down to:

- do you stay in Semporna, take long boat rides and do 2 tanks a day, or
- do you stay at a resort on Mabul or Kapalai and dive 3 boat dives and unlimited shore diving (5-6 dives a day is doable)?

For me being able to do all of the additional diving more than makes up for the added cost.

Rickg

 

[OnTheSpot]

On all 3 points, the resorts win. The Semporna option is for people who either want to save money or have only a day for diving. You get more dives at the resorts - some of the beach dives are good too, get all meals, do not have to stay in Semporna (not a pretty place), and it's closer to Sipadan. Note - not ALL resorts allow unlimited beach dives, be sure to ask.

Oh, and you don't have to pay single supplement unless you want too. You pay based on twin sharing and share with another diver. If there's lots of space in the resort you may end up with your own chalet/room/bungalow anyway.

Some more information:

Dive resorts in Malaysia

 

[malaysia-islands]

Interesting topic. I've stayed at these 2 resorts in Semporna for my diving trip to Sipadan:

- Dragon Inn Floating Resort (about MYR88 per night in water-bungalow)
- Seafest Hotel (about MYR90 per night in a standard room)

I did 3 dives with North Borneo Diver for MYR350 (return boat, equipment and packed lunch). Departure about 900hrs and returning back to Semporna around 1600hrs with safety interval stop at the beautiful beach at Sipadan Jetty.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure either way, you will not be disappointed.

 

[Jason Ooi]

1) Safety - safety of the dive operation and general security for tourists staying on Mabul vs. staying in Semporna

I love stay Mabul instead semporna, No worry! both are safe for stay

2) Convenience - is much more convenient to stay at a resort due to the proximity to dive sites and a schedule that is catered for divers?

Mabul is convenience beach dive of resort unlimited dives

3) Comfort - is it much more comfortable at a resort in terms of lodging facilities?

Sipandan Water village, Borneo diver mabul resort, Smart resort

Any comments?

link Borneo diver http://www.borneodivers.info/
link Sipadan water village http://www.swvresort.com/
link Smart resort http://www.sipadan-mabul.com.my/

 

[mstanley]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the great advice. It sounds like a resort in Mabul is probably the best option.

I know that you can get the best deals by booking the resorts in KK or by just showing up in Semporna. Is that too risky considering the limitations on the Sipadan dive permit? I will be there towards the end of November so it is not exactly high season.

Any thoughts?

 

[Jason Ooi]

I recommend Borneo Diver Resort in Mabul good food, environment and DM

 

[Allison Finch]

Mstanley,
Since you are going in Dec/Jan, you ought to go to DEMA first (Oct). Not only is it a great time (tickets can be had if you are resourceful) but you can score great deals there. I am leaving for Borneo Divers on Mabul island in 9 days. The deal was 10 days (all inclusive) for 2200.00. That included airfare from Newark, NY. I usually spend a month in PNG every year and my airfare alone is often that much. That was a DEMA special. I also won drawing that awarded me four days lodging and diving in Cozumel two years ago, but due to two years of hurricanes, have yet to use it. The dive operator has, kindly, extended the deal.